Sunday, September 26, 2010

I had an order for what some people call a skater hat, which is basically a rib hat that looks somewhat like a beanie and covers the ears. The customer selected a dark gray color and wanted machine washable. After finding a yarn that fit the bill (Encore Chunky in color 389), I sat down to figure out how many stitches to cast on. I settled on 76 and then knitted until it was deep enough. (Luckily, Patrick has the same head measurement as the customer, so I was able to have him try it on for a good fit.) The hardest part was that I didn't plan out my decreases when figuring out my cast on number. Normally, this doesn't matter so much, but I needed to build the rib pattern into the design and then end up with a new pattern. Not as easy as a normal knit hat, but I just went with it when the time came and worked out the math. Super happy with the end result!

Friday, September 24, 2010

During our visit to the Children's Museum I was happy to see so many knits and fiber arts throughout the exhibits. The Egypt exhibit had knitted prayer hats and crocheted hats, too. I particularly liked the white men's knitted prayer hats.

The detail was really amazing. I haven't researched it yet, but I'm curious to know if the patterns hold a specific meaning.

They had this knot loom where you tie on the knots and it creates pictures that form the rug pattern.

Hooked Rugs

And cross stitch...Yes, it is true. I can find fiber arts anywhere.

I snapped this picture of PK with the glass exhibit behind him. I love it!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

I'm SO excited about this new pattern because I had so much fun with it! I had such a warm welcome to the Flowers of Spring Hat pattern, that I decided a Flowers of Fall selection of necessary. Now, I know that sunflowers grow in summer, but I always associate them with fall decor. And, of course, the mum is a big one in our area of the world in the autumn season.

For all you non-knitters, you can place etsy orders at my shop here. You can either purchase ones that are already up in the shop, or send me a custom order (indicating colors, sizing, and flower choice).

These two versions were knitted up as samples for the pattern and were immediately sold to a customer for two little sisters. They will look so cute!

Sizes shown: 0 to 6 months and Child

Yarn used in above versions:

Berroco Vintage

Cascade 220 Superwash

Flower yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Tea Party

Crystal Palace Yarns Fizz

Needle size in pattern: US 6 and US 7

Hook size: H for worsted weight flower

This one, featuring the mum, was also whisked off by a customer. Such a cute one for a newborn!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Over Labor Day weekend, we got to visit with my in-laws. On Saturday we had a family cookout and the boys played some soccer. Super cute to see Aidan with Jack. Jack would get a boo boo and ask Aidan to kiss it to make it better. We also played a few games of ashes.

Aidan watching and waiting for the ball from Uncle Pete.

Super cutie!

My favorite picture of Jack and Uncle Patrick.

Winking...

On Sunday we ventured to the Children's Museum. I didn't know if we were going to be in for it or not! It wasn't all the full and we were able to easily move about.

Aidan IN the exhibit. Doug and I got a good chuckle out of this scene.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

I received this pattern in my swap package. It was designed by Gina House. (I got a chuckle out of our names be so close. I always tell people that you pronounce my last name by rhyming it with House.) Along with the pattern came a skein of Malabrigo in the color Stone Blue. I love this yarn. It is a super soft merino that feels like heaven in your hands. Knitting up the hat reminded me that I have some of this yarn to make a simple cozy pullover sweater. Might have to move that up on the list!!!!

The stitch pattern in an interesting lace repeat that is easy to complete and remember. Because the yarn is so fluffy, it knits up super fast. I knitted it in a few hours on Friday night and finished up the decrease section the next morning. I did leave off one garter stitch section as suggested in the pattern if you don't want such a deep hat. It used a little more than the 50% of the skein noted in the pattern and I used a size 8 needle because I'm a loose knitter.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

In addition to the knitting tins and my patterns, I have loaded made items for sale to the Brownie Knits etsy store. At the moment, all of the made garments are hats, but I plan to launch other items in the future. Please feel free to contact me for custom orders, as well.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The day that my swap partner received her EZ inspired swap package, I received mine from a really nice lady named Kris. She stalked me a bit on the blog (hi there!) to learn some about what I like and such and then created a wonderful package! She designed the items around her mom and a prof that she admired--a researcher who studied the relationships between people and pets. As most of you know if you've spent a little time reading the blog, my two dogs are always by my side when I'm knitting. They mean a lot to me. Everything in the package was built around this theme. Super cute!

A book by the researcher--signed!!!!

Treats for the dogs and me.

Red silk blend Manos

Yorkie stitch markers

Yorkie art print

Amanda hat pattern and a skein of Stone Blue Malabrigo

I cannot thank her enough for such a thoughtful swap package. The dogs and I have already dug into all of it--eating the treats, knitting the yarn, using the stitch markers, displaying the art, and I have the book in the queue for some good fall weather!